Golf Croquet Laws Changes

[<<] [>>] by Bill Arliss
24th February 2004 (CqE Official News)

Draft revised WCF Golf Croquet Rules have been published by the WCF. The changes mainly clarify the existing rules, but a small number affect fundamentally the way the game is played. Further revisions are likely after public comments have been received, and a version will be ratified in a few weeks' time for use at the 2004 World Golf Croquet Championship in June. Further changes may be made before the start of the Southern Hemisphere summer season.

The draft rules carry no weight in the CA's domain and the revision process will not be complete in time for the CA to publish a new edition of the CA Golf Croquet Laws for the 2004 season.

The CA Laws Committee will publish at the end of March a document that will set out changes to our Laws necessary to incorporate the fundamental WCF Rules changes only. These changes will cover all games played under CA rules in our 2004 season. The laws committee will issue a complete revision of the Laws for the 2005 season.

All English players, in particular those who are selected for the World Championship, will be able to familiarise themselves with the manner of play that will be adopted at the Championships by following the revised CA Laws.

At present we see the necessary changes as being:

• A further clarification of the law relating to relief for limited backswing.
• A change in the manner of rectification after a striking fault, allowing balls not to be replaced but left where they lie, if required by the opponent.
• A revision of the Half Way law, defining precisely when moves to a penalty point are to be made, and allowing the opponent to choose the penalty point.

Bill Arliss
Chairman
CA Golf Croquet Laws Committee

Alan Oldham
Chairman
CA Golf Croquet Committee